Connecticut man charged with assaulting police officer

DANBURY >> A Connecticut man is facing charges after authorities say he assaulted a police officer.

Twenty-year-old Pierre Elhayek, of Danbury, is charged with second-degree assault, assault on a police officer and related offenses.

A preliminary investigation indicates the officer was parked in his cruiser late Saturday evening in Danbury when Elhayek suddenly approached the cruiser and began kicking it. The officer got out of the vehicle thinking Elhayek needed help. Police say Elhayek then struck the officer on the side of the head.

Police say a struggle ensued, and Elhayek kicked and punched the officer several times before he was taken into custody.

The officer was treated at an area hospital and released.

Elhayek is being held on bond. It’s unclear whether he has retained a lawyer who could comment.